Chapter 1 Flashcards
The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.
Hindsight Bias
An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.
Theory
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Hypothesis
A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study.
Operational Definition
Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.
Replication
A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Case Study
A descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
Naturalistic Observation
A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.
Survey
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
Random Sample
All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.
Population
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.
Correlation
A statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1.00 to +1.00).
Correlation Coefficient
Anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure.
Variable
A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the value of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
Scatterplot
Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship.
Illusory Correlation
The tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back toward the average.
Regression toward the mean
A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.
Expieriment
In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
Experimental Group
In an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.
Control Group
Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.
Random Assignment
An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.
Double Blind Procedure
Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.
Placebo Effect
In an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.
Independent Variable
A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence the study’s results.
Confounding Variable
In an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.
Dependent Variable
The postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.
Debriefing
The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.
Mode
The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.
Mean
The middle scores in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.
Median
The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.
Range
A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.
Standard Deviation
A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean and fewer and fewer near the extremes.
Normal Curve Distribution
A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.
Statistical Significance
The factor that is manipulated in an experiment is known as the _______________, while the outcome that is measured is known as the _______________.
independent variable; dependent variable
An experimental psychologist needs to provide a visual representation of the direction and strength of a relationship between two variables. This would entail the use of a:
scatterplot
In an experiment the _________________________ is exposed to the independent variable, while the _________________________ is not exposed to the independent variable and serves as a comparison to evaluate the effect of the treatment.
experimental group; control group
In a ____________________ correlation, the scores rise and fall together; in a _____________________ correlation, one score falls as the other rises.
positive; negative
Our tendency to perceive events as obvious or inevitable after the fact is known as:
hindsight bias
Predictions based on theory are called:
hypotheses
An experimental procedure where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the experimental or the control group is referred to as a:
double-blind procedure
A bell-shaped distribution, in which most scores fall near the middle and fewer scores fall at each extreme is a:
normal curve
Which of the three measures of central tendency is most easily distorted by a few very large or very small scores?
The Mean
In a survey you need to establish a group of people who represent the country’s entire adult population. To do this you will need to recruit a _______________ sample of the population.
Random
